Agricultural Innovation in the Early Islamic World
The Diffusion of Crops and Farming Techniques, 700–1100

This study describes and explains the revolutionary changes which transformed the agricultural life of the Islamicized world in the four centuries following the early Arab conquests.

Andrew M. Watson (Author)

9780521068833, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 July 2008

284 pages
21.1 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.42 kg

This study describes and explains the revolutionary changes which transformed the agricultural life of the Islamicized world in the four centuries following the early Arab conquests. Professor Watson discusses eighteen crops - from sorghum and rye to the watermelon - which spread through the Near East and North Africa during this period. Their origins, diffusion and uses are reviewed. The book investigates the mechanics of diffusion, the routes by which plants spread, and the processes by which they were acclimatized in their new environment. The social and economic history of agriculture in the medieval Islamic world is assessed in a review of wide importance. Professor Watson sets out to refute the view that the early Islamic period was one of agricultural decline in the Near East. He shows that, in contrast to the late Roman and Sasanian periods, it was a time of agricultural and demographic expansion. Agricultural innovation in the early Islamic world will be of interest to economic, social and agricultural historians and to those concerned with Islam and its effect on Africa and Asia.

Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
Part I. The chronology of diffusion: 2. Sorghum
3. Asiatic rice
4. Hard wheat
5. Sugar cane
6. Old World cotton
7. Sour orange, lemon, lime, shaddock
8. Banana, plantain
9. Coconut palm
10. Watermelon
11. Spinach
12. Artichoke
13. Colocasia
14. Eggplant
15. Mango tree
Part II. The pathways of diffusion
16. The routes
Part III. The mechanics of diffusion: 17. The agents
18. A medium for diffusion
19. The pull of demand
20. Facilitating supply: irrigation
21. Facilitating supply: land tenure
22. Facilitating supply: gardens
Part IV. The new plants in the economy: 23. An agricultural revolution?
24. Agriculture in its context
Part V. Later centuries: 25. Agriculture in retreat.

Subject Areas: Industry & industrial studies [KN]